Aphasia

Definition

Aphasia is a disorder that affects the ability to communicate. People with aphasia may have difficulty with the expression and/or understanding of language, as well as reading and writing. Aphasia can be classified into 2 broad categories.

Risk Factors

Aphasia is more common in older people. Other factors that may increase your chance of aphasia include:

Increasing age

Family history of aphasia

Prior history of transient ischemic attacks (TIA)—sometimes referred to as mini-strokes

Symptoms

Aphasia is a symptom of an underlying problem. It may include:

Difficulty speaking:

Speaking in short, fragmented phrases

Putting words in the wrong order

Using incorrect grammar

Switching sounds or words

Speaking in nonsense

Anomia—word-finding problems

Problems understanding oral language:

Needing extra time to process language

Difficulty following very fast speech

Taking the literal meaning of a figure of speech

Problems reading

Problems writing

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

If you have a brain condition, you may already be seeing a doctor who specializes in the nervous system. This doctor will most likely be able to recognize your aphasia. Some simple tests may be done. For example, you may be asked to follow commands, answer questions, name objects, and have a conversation. You may then be referred to a speech-language pathologist who will perform additional tests to assess your speech and language skills.

Imaging tests are used to evaluate the brain and other structures. These may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.